Would love to hear, without specifics, what improvements over stock is made with an aftermarket airbox, especially considering it looks like the charge pipe/elbow is remained stock. I just can't see where there is room for improvement on the box itself. Even down to the ridges on the inner box itself is oriented in a way to direct flow to the filter. I understand a high-flow filter has benefit but I would love to hear conceptually what was improved with this box.

Just hard to believe 8 whp which is close to going catless (well half) which seems hard to believe

I think this mod is really more for the sound than the power gain. Their full intake for the e46 M3 sounds insane. One of the best sounding cars I have heard. I am tempted to go buy an e46 M3 and put their intake on it just because I liked the sound so much.